MOTU is now shipping the 4pre, a compact, half-rack 6x8 hybrid audio interface and mixer.

The 4pre connects via FireWire or hi-speed USB2 to a Mac or PC computer and delivers professional audio quality, straightforward front-panel mixing, and plenty of I/O, including four mic inputs with preamps, alternative guitar/line inputs, four channels of analog output, stereo S/PDIF and two stereo headphone outputs. Advanced features include digitally controlled analog trim, DDS (Direct Digital Synthesis) audio clocking for exceptionally low jitter performance, and an instrument tuner.

With MOTU's unique hybrid interface technology, the 4pre connects to any current Mac or PC via high-speed USB 2.0 or FireWire and provides six simultaneous inputs and eight outputs. Four XLR/TRS "combo" jacks equipped with clean, transparent preamps provide input for up to four microphones, with individual 48V phantom power and -20 dB pad. All settings can be adjusted directly on the front panel, or from the 4pre's CueMix software running on the computer.

Alternately, the four quarter-inch (TRS) analog inputs provide two hi-Z guitar inputs and two balanced line level inputs, allowing users to connect guitars, a keyboard, drum machine, or other line-level instrument. Four quarter-inch (TRS) analog outputs can be connected to powered monitors, stage wedges, or other output destinations. All quarter-inch analog connectors are balanced to ensure the best-possible protection against RF interference, AC hum, and other noise-producing environmental factors.

In the studio, 4pre front-panel mixing can be used for monitor-mixing while tracking into host software on a computer (to eliminate software latency during recording), or for playing connected instruments even when the computer is turned off. On stage, the 4pre can be used for live mixing, either stand-alone or with a computer.

Price: $495.

Feature highlights

6-input, 8-output audio interface for Mac and Windows -- all channels are available simultaneously and operate independently.